Metal wheel



\ Sept. 29, 1925.

L. FINE METAL WHEEL Filed May 12, 1919 3 Sheefcs-Shee! l uyvazvroyz. L ew/s F/ne ATTORNEY Sept. 29, 1925.

L. FINE METAL WHEEL Filed May 12, 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ywslqrop L 64106 fine ATTOEY L. FiNE METAL WHEEL Sept. 29, 1925.

Filed May 12, 1919 5 Sheets-Sheet INVENTQR. L e 1405 706 ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 29, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEWIS FINE, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MEN'IS, TO BUDD WHEEL COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A COR- PORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

METAL WHEEL.

Application filed May 12, 1919.

To all whom. it may cancer rt:

Be it known that I, LEWIS FINE, residing at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Metal Wheels, of which I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description.

This invention relates to improvements in metal wheels, and more particularly to that type of metal wheel commonly known as disc wheels, which are especially adapted for use in connection with trucks, tractors,

and the like.

One object of the invention is to provide a wheel of this character, which is of simple construction and etlicient in operation and so designed as to withstand the stresses which will come upon it in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a metal wheel of the disc type, having a driving connection located substantially within the central longitudinal plane of the Wheel and enclosed and protected.

Further objects of this invention relate to economies of manufacture and details of construction, as will hereinafter appear from the detailed description to follow.

The objects of the invention are accomplished in one instance by the devices and means described in the following specifications, but it is evident that the same may be varied widely without departing from the scope of the invention, as pointed out in the appended claims.

A structure constituting one embodiment of the invention, which may be the preferred, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Figure I is a view in side elevation of a metal wheel embodying the present invention.

Figure II is a transverse-sectional view, taken along the line IIII of Figure I.

Figure III is a vertical-sectional View, taken along the line IIIIII of Figure II.

Figure IV is a vertical, sectional view, taken. along the line IVIV of Figure II.

Figure V is a detail fragmentary transverse, sectional view, taken along the line VV of Figure IV, and

Figure VI is a detail fragmentary, sectional view, taken along the line VIVI Serial No. 296,628.

of Figure II, and illustrating the manner of securing the gear supporting ring to one of the wheel discs.

Referring to the drawings, similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the small arrows at the ends of the section lincs.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated herewith, l designates an axle of-the usual construction upon which is rotatably mounted a wheel hub 2, provided with cylilidrical portions 3 and 4, extending from the central portion of the hub, and an intermediate radially extending flange 5, positioned between the cylindrical portions 3 and 4, and adapted to serve as a spacing means for the wheel discs. The hub is rotatably mounted upon the axle l and is provided with a pair of axle bearings 6 and 7 of the usual antifriction type, the bearing 6 being positioned substantially within the central longitudinal plane of the wheel tread, while the bearing 7 is offset laterally from the central longitudinal portion of the wheel towards the end of the axle. The axle 1 is provided with a threaded end portion 8 upon which is threaded a nut 9, which serves to retain the vhub and the several parts of the anti-friction bearings in proper position relative to each other and to the axle.

The main portion of the wheel structure comprises a pair of wheel discs 10 and 11, which are spaced from each other and sup port the rim in proper position relative to the wheel hub. The outer wheel disc 10 is provided with an outer straight portion 12, located in proximity to the wheel rim, and a central portion 13, which is parallel to but offset from the plane ofthe straight portion 12 and the central longitudinal plane of the wheel tread. The outer wheel disc 10 has a central opening therein and the metal around said opening is struck up to form the outwardly extending flange 14 which rests upon and bears against the outer surface of the outwardly extending cylindrical portion 3 of the wheel hub. In a similar manner, the inner wheel disc 11 has a straight portion 15 located adjacent the wheel rim, and a central offset portion 16, which is parallel to and offset outwardly from the central longitudinal plane of the disc. The inner wheel disc 11 has a central opening therein, and an inwardly extending annular flange 17, surrounding the central opening, and resting upon and bearing against the outer surface of the inwardly extending cylindrical portion 4 of the wheel hub. The central offset portions 13 and 15 of the wheel discs 10 and 11 are positioned upon opposite sides of the outwardly extending annular flange 5 of the wheel hub to which they are secured by means of a plurality of bolts or rivets 19 passing through registering openings formed in the plates 10 and 11 and the outwardly extending annular flange 5 of the wheel hub. The annular flange 5 of the wheel hub serves as a spacing means, properly spacing the offset portions 13 and 16 of the wheel discs from each other, as well as to secure the wheel discs in proper position relative to the wheel hub. A plurality of spacing sleeves 20 are positioned between the straight portions 12 and 15 of the wheel discs 10 0nd 11, and the wheel discs are retained in position relative to each other and the spacing sleeves 20 by means of a plurality of bolts or rivets 21 extending through the sleeves 20 and a plurality of registering openings formed in the wheel discs.

The outer portions of the wheel discs are bent outwardly, radially and inwardly to form opposed channels 22 and 23, which are located in such a manner as to register with each other, and provide the inturned pe ripheral flanges 24 and 25. A plurality of T-shaped cross braces 26 are positioned within the opposed channels 22 and 23 in such a manner that the opposite ends there of extend into the channels and rest upon the outwardly bent portions of the wheel discs, by which they are supported. Each of the T-shaped cross braces 26 is provided with a pair of transversely extending flanges 27, the said flanges being adapted to rest. upon the outwardly bent portions of the wheel discs in such a manner as to properly support the T-shaped cross braces. Each of the T-shaped cross braces is provided with a web portion 28, the upper part of which in the assembled position of the cross braces, extends between the inner edges of the inturned flanges 24 and 25, and terminates substantially flush with the outer surfaces of the inturned flanges. A rim 29 is mounted on the outer surfaces of the inturned flanges 24 and 25 in such a manner as to be properly supported thereby and by the outwardly extending portions 28 of the T- shaped cross braces. Each of the T-shaped cross braces is adapted to be firmly secured to the Wheel discs by having the transversely extending flanges 27 thereof spotwelded to the wheel discs as indicated at 29.

A hub cap 30 is positioned upon the outer portion of the hub, being adapted to slide over the outwardly extending annular flange 14 and is secured to the wheel hub by means of a plurality of attaching screws 31.

The wheel disc 11 is provided with an intermediate offset portion 34 between the straight portion 15 and the main offset portion 16 thereof, the said offset portion 34 forming an annular seat to house a driving gear 35 provided with a plurality of teeth 36 formed upon the inner surface thereof. A driving gear supporting ring 37 is positioned against one side of the wheel disc 11 within the offset portion or seat 34, and se" cured to the wheel disc by means of a plurality of rivets 38. The gear, supporting ring 37 is positioned within an annular recess 39 formed in one side of the gear 35 so as to support and properly center the gear 35 in position concentric with the axis of the wheel. A plurality of supporting bolts 40 extend through openings formed in the gear 35, the gear supporting ring 37, and the wheel discs so as to securely retain the gear 35 in proper position relative to the wheel discs. Spacing collars or sleeves 41 are positioned between the wheel discs 10 and 11 so as to surround each of the bolts 40 and properly space the discs 10 and 11 from each other, and provide a rigid structure.

A peripheral channel 43 is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the gear 35 within which is positioned a packing ring 44, of felt or other suitable material, for a purpose which will be hereinafter described. A circular plate 45 is non-rotatably secured to the axle 1, at a point near the inner side of the wheel, the said plate 45 being provided with a peripheral outwardly extending flange 46, which extends towards the central plane of the wheel and is positioned between the outer circumferential surface of the gear 35 and the inner circumferential surface on the wheel disc 11 formed by the offset portion 34 thereof. The packing ring 44 formed of felt or other suitable material extends outwardly beyond the outer circumferential surface of the gear to contact with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral flange 46 so as to form a tight joint and prevent dust or other foreign material from gaining access to the interior of the wheel. The peripheral flange 46 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves 48, each of said grooves receiving a packing ring 49 of felt or other suitable material, the said packing rings extending outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral flange so as to bear against the inner surface of the wheel disc 11 to form a tight joint and prevent dust or other foreign material from entering the wheel structure and coming in contact with the oper ating parts. The plate 45 is provided with an annular flange 50, concentric with the axis of the wheel and positioned a suitable distance therefrom, which extends over the inner cylindrical portion 4 of the wheel hub, when the plate is in assembled position. The annular flange 50 is provided with an inner circumferential groove 51 formed therein, and a packing ring 52 of felt or other suitable material is inserted within the groove 51 and extends inwardly beyond the inner circumferential surface thereof, and bears against the. outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 4 of the wheel hub in such a manner as to form a tight joint between these parts and prevent dust or other foreign material from gaining access to the anti-friction bearings positioned within the wheel hub.

A hearing sleeve 53 projects through an opening 54 formed in the cover 45 in such a manner as to be positioned mainly within the. interior portion of the wheel casing, and a driving shaft 56, substantially parallel to the axle 1, has an end portion projecting within the sleeve 53. The end portion of the driving shaft which projects within the interior of the wheel casing is splined and has a pinion 57 non-r-otatably secured thereto and positioned so as to mesh with internal teeth 36 formed upon the gear 35. Antifriction bearings 58 and 59 are carried by the sleeve 53 and positioned upon opposite sides of the pinion 57 to provide bearings for the drive shaft 56. The sleeve 53 has a portion of its surface cut away as indicated at 60 so as to enable the pinion 57 to mesh with the internal teeth 36 formed upon the gear 35.

A plurality of hooks 62 are positioned upon the interior surface of the wheel rim throughout the circumference of the wheel, the said hooks being secured to the wheel rim in any suitable manner as by bolts or rivets 63. The hooks 62 serve to secure and properly retain in position anti-skidding devices which may be applied to the Wheel rim for the purpose of preventing side slipping or to increase the traction of the wheel.

It will be evident from the above description that a metal wheel of the disc type is provided, which forms a firm and rigid structure capable of withstanding severe stresses and is cheaply constructed and easily assembled. The driving connection is positioned substantially within the central longitudinal plane of the wheel tread, and is secured to the wheel structure in a novel manner which serves to properly position the driving connections and retain the same in place as well as to exclude dust or other foreign matter from the interior portions of the wheel.

WVhile I have shown and described in considerable detail a specific embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that this showing and description is illustrative only and for the purpose of rendering my invention more clear, and that I do not regard my invention as limited to the details of construction illustrated or described, nor any of them, except in so far as I have included such limitations within the terms of the following claims, in which it is my intention to claim all novelty inherent in my invention broadly as well as specifically.

hat I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a wheel structure, a pair of wheel discs spaced from each other and each provided with a central offset portion, a gear supporting ring secured to one of the wheel discs, and an internal gear secured to the supporting ring.

2. In a wheel structure, a pair of wheel discs spaced from each other throughout, said discs each being offset in the same direction from the central longitudinal plane of the wheel, a gear supporting ring carried by the offset portion of one of the discs, and a gear secured to the supporting ring.

3. In a wheel structure, a pair of wheel discs, a gear supporting ring carried by one of the discs substantially in line with the central longitudinal plane of the wheel, and a gear secured to the supporting ring.

4. In a wheel structure, a pair of wheel discs, each provided with a central offset portion, a hub supporting the wheel discs and provided with a cylindrical portion, and a cover plate provided with an annular flange extending over the inner edge of the cylindrical portion of the hub.

5. In a wheel structure, a pair of wheel discs, each provided with a central offset portion, a hub supporting the wheel discs and provided with a cylindrical portion, a cover plate provided with an annular flange extending over the inner edge of the cylindrical portion of the hub, and a packing ring carried by the annular flange contacting with the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the hub.

6. A wheel comprising a hub, a rim, a pain of pressed metal discs connecting the hub and rim, one of said discs having the central portion offset from the central longitudinal plane of the wheel, a gear in lihe with said plane, and means for supporting said gear including a gear ring carried by one of said discs.

7. A wheel comprising a hub, a rim, a

to said disc in line with said plane, and a cover plate provided with a peripheral flange overlying a portion of the outer surface of the gear.

8. A wheel comprising a hub, a rim, a pair of pressed metal wheel discs connecting said hub and rim, one of said wheel discs being provided with a central portion offset from the central longitudinal plane of the wheel, a driving connection positioned within the offset portion, and a cover plate provided with a peripheral flange fitting within said offset portion.

9. A wheel comprising a hub, a rim, a pair of pressed metal discs connecting said hub and rim, one of said discs having an offset portion pressed therein, an internal gear secured to one of said discs in said offset portion, a cover plate, a sleeve carried thereby, a drive shaft journaled in said sleeve, and a pinion carried by the drive shaft and meshing with the internal gear.

10. In a wheel structure, a pair of wheel discs spaced from each otherv throughout, said discs each being offset in the same direction from the central longitudinal plane of the wheel, and an internal gear secured to said discs and received in an annular offset in one of said discs, substantially in said central longitudinal plane.

11. In a wheel structure, the combination of a hub having a radial flange, a pair of pressed metal discs having central openings and oppositely directed flanges surrounding said central opening and seating on said hub, said discs being positioned on opposite sides of said radial flange, the outer portions of said discs being offset inwardly of the wheel forming a gear-receiving recess, and a driving gear secured to said discs and positioned in said recess.

12. In a wheel structure, the combination of a hub, a pair of discs secured to said hub and spaced from each other, the outer portions of said discs being offset inwardly of the wheel, and the outer disc being provided with radial stiffening ribs, and a driving gear disposed adjacent to and secured to the inner disc, the outer offset portion of said inner disc overhanging said driving gear.

13. In a wheel structure, a hub, having a radial hub flange, a pair of spaced pressed metal discs mounted on said hub on opposite sides of said flange, the outer portions of said disc being offset inwardly of the wheel and one of said discs being pressed to form a gear-receiving recess, and a driving gear secured in said recess.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature LEWIS FINE. 

